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January 25, 2013
After 'Kidnapping' Its Youth Group, Church Agrees to Fines and Community Service
Assemblies of God youth pastor was trying to show students how missionaries are persecuted.
A Pennsylvania church that staged a mock kidnapping of its youth group has made a plea agreement with prosecutors.
The incident, which CT noted in May, was a surprise simulation of the persecution faced by missionaries overseas. Glad Tidings Assembly of God faced charges of assault and false imprisonment after a parent complained; but under the deal, the church will pay a $10,000 fine and its youth pastor will "pay a $500 penalty, serve up to a year of probation and do 50 hours of community service," notes Religion Clause.
"I would find a way that we could continue to keep the shock value," said pastor John Lanza shortly after the incident. "But I would find a way to inform the parents."
Comments
how are the men who carried out this terror on these kids not being prosecuted?
Posted By: elliot | January 30, 2013 2:50 PM
When I first read the headline for this blog post, I thought it had to be a jock. Certainly a church wouldn’t kidnap its youth group, even as a “joke”…right? Apparently I was wrong. This is so irresponsible and absolutely inexcusable. Hopefully no one from other churches will repeat this mistake!
Posted By: Katrina, Sunday School Blogger | February 1, 2013 1:51 PM
Any Crime could happen to anyone. Nowadays it's hard to trust on strangers. No matter how good you're intentions may be, it won't be a reason for you to avoid being a victim. Good thing about this new app I heard that no matter where we are, they can send help using the GPS location and no matter what time is it, they are ready to protect us through their 24/7 call center. And in any danger zones that we may pass through they will warn us. For kids or teens and to every human being should prioritize safety, and a step to this is by downloading this mobile phone safety.
Posted By: Angela Smith | February 10, 2013 9:18 AM
And of course anything that can be used for "good" can be used for bad as well. An immoral government can track your every move with GPS, there is no hiding. There is GPS, or they can use thermo-detectors, drones, etc. Soon, there will be 30,000 drones in the sky. (their estimate, not mine). Ben Franklin wisely said whoever is wiling to give up a little freedom for a little safety deserves neither freedom nor safety.
Posted By: stacy | February 10, 2013 3:39 PM
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